Owner's suspended license hasn't stopped downtown valet service

Officials hail service; owner clears up record

The Valet parking service, started by a group of young entrepreneurs, has been operating in downtown Spartanburg about a month. From left to right, Kendal Dawkins, Terence Dawkins, and Jordan Bishop, stand by their curbside valet service on Morgan Square Thursday night.

Published: Monday, January 7, 2013 at 5:18 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, January 7, 2013 at 5:18 p.m.

An owner and driver of the new downtown Spartanburg valet service has a suspended driver's license.

The Valet, LLC, opened in early December and has recorded a steady stream of business, particularly from Skating on the Square patrons and Christmas shoppers. The service charges drivers $4 to park cars in the Magnolia Street parking garage when parking spaces on Morgan Square are difficult to find.

Terence Dawkins, 27, owns the business with his cousin, Jeff Dawkins, and Landon Cohen and said the trio thought the business would thrive in the downtown area after completing a business plan 1 1/2 years ago.

The three are from Spartanburg and went to college outside of South Carolina, and saw similar businesses in other cities, Terence Dawkins said.

It was after Terence Dawkins returned home that his license was suspended for failing to pay traffic tickets he accrued while at Hampton University in Virginia, he said.

“It sounds irresponsible, I know that, but I've since cleared it up,” Dawkins said. “It was a mistake.”

Dawkins said that although he routinely helps park cars, his role at The Valet is primarily as an owner. He added the company is fully insured and bonded.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Dawkins's license was suspended on Oct. 14, 2010, for failing to pay a traffic ticket. The ticket was paid in Oxford, N.C. on March 9, 2011, according to the S.C. DMV.

Another suspension began on May 7, 2011 following a February incident in which he was charged with driving under suspension and speeding less than 10 miles over the speed limit, according to records.

Dawkins's license is currently suspended for failing to pay insurance, according to the S.C. DMV, although Dawkins said the suspension has been lifted. Records show that Dawkins enrolled in a payment plan at the DMV, which is available to those who owe more than $300 in reinstatement fees, on July 23, 2012, but defaulted on the plan on Oct. 16, 2012.

City of Spartanburg Economic Development Director Patty Bock said the city issued encroachment and sign permits to The Valet, LLC and under the encroachment permit, the city has the right to review and renew the agreement after 90 days. Bock said the city wasn't aware of any issues with Dawkins's suspended driver's license.

“It's our position that this is a great, extra service to accommodate downtown businesses and for those who don't want to walk or have time to look for a space,” Bock said.

This is the first valet service in many years offered on Morgan Square, she said.

“This group has been great to work with and they've been extremely accommodating,” Bock said.

The Valet, LLC is stationed at the corner of West Main and Wall streets, although the location could change.

<p>An owner and driver of the new downtown Spartanburg valet service has a suspended driver's license.</p><p>The Valet, LLC, opened in early December and has recorded a steady stream of business, particularly from Skating on the Square patrons and Christmas shoppers. The service charges drivers $4 to park cars in the Magnolia Street parking garage when parking spaces on Morgan Square are difficult to find.</p><p>Terence Dawkins, 27, owns the business with his cousin, Jeff Dawkins, and Landon Cohen and said the trio thought the business would thrive in the downtown area after completing a business plan 1 1/2 years ago.</p><p>The three are from Spartanburg and went to college outside of South Carolina, and saw similar businesses in other cities, Terence Dawkins said.</p><p>It was after Terence Dawkins returned home that his license was suspended for failing to pay traffic tickets he accrued while at Hampton University in Virginia, he said.</p><p>“It sounds irresponsible, I know that, but I've since cleared it up,” Dawkins said. “It was a mistake.”</p><p>Dawkins said that although he routinely helps park cars, his role at The Valet is primarily as an owner. He added the company is fully insured and bonded.</p><p>According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Dawkins's license was suspended on Oct. 14, 2010, for failing to pay a traffic ticket. The ticket was paid in Oxford, N.C. on March 9, 2011, according to the S.C. DMV.</p><p>Another suspension began on May 7, 2011 following a February incident in which he was charged with driving under suspension and speeding less than 10 miles over the speed limit, according to records.</p><p>Dawkins's license is currently suspended for failing to pay insurance, according to the S.C. DMV, although Dawkins said the suspension has been lifted. Records show that Dawkins enrolled in a payment plan at the DMV, which is available to those who owe more than $300 in reinstatement fees, on July 23, 2012, but defaulted on the plan on Oct. 16, 2012.</p><p>City of Spartanburg Economic Development Director Patty Bock said the city issued encroachment and sign permits to The Valet, LLC and under the encroachment permit, the city has the right to review and renew the agreement after 90 days. Bock said the city wasn't aware of any issues with Dawkins's suspended driver's license.</p><p>“It's our position that this is a great, extra service to accommodate downtown businesses and for those who don't want to walk or have time to look for a space,” Bock said.</p><p>This is the first valet service in many years offered on Morgan Square, she said.</p><p>“This group has been great to work with and they've been extremely accommodating,” Bock said.</p><p>The Valet, LLC is stationed at the corner of West Main and Wall streets, although the location could change.</p>